REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON THE NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE ACCORD REFERENDUM

THE PRESIDENT: Tomorrow the people of Northern Ireland and the
Republic of Ireland have an opportunity to join hope to history. I
know that as you go to the polls and consider the merits of the April
10 accord you will reflect on the past three decades, so marred by
hatred and bloodshed, fighting and fear. I hope you will also reflect
on the decades to come and the opportunity you now have in your hands
to build a lasting peace for yourselves and your children. This
Friday, you can turn the common tragedy of Northern Ireland's past into
a shared triumph for the future.

As you face the future, you can count on America. We were blessed
with the arrival of your ancestors and relatives who helped to build
our nation. We want to return the favor with trade and investment, with
friendship and partnership. But to those of any party or persuasion who
would revert to violence, you must know that you will find no friends in
America.

To everyone voting tomorrow let me say, you can do nothing to erase
the past, but you can do everything to build the future. The world is
with you, but the choice is yours. May you make the right choice --
for peace, for your children, for you future. And may God bless you
all.